SPRINT CHAMPIONS MEET.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1145, 21 March 1912, Page 14

SPRINT CHAMPIONS MEET.

POSTLE THRICE DEFEATS DONALDSON. WORLD’S RECORDS ESTABLISHED. QUEENSLANDER’S REMARKABLE FORM. Not since the visit to these shores of the well-known American sprinter, Arthur Duffy, and the crack English long-distance runner, Alfred Shrubb, has enthusiasm in athletics been anything like that displayed in the Don-aldson-Postle match on Saturday, and even then the' interest the appearance on the Domain of Duffy and Shrubb aroused was small compared to the intense excitement caused by the meeting of the two world-famed sprinters. So keen was the interest in the match that quite a large number of enthusiasts assembled daily at the Domain to watch Donaldson and Postle put the finishing touches on their training preparations, and so well did each man perform on the track that a keen struggle for the sprint supremacy was fully anticipated, and with inclement weather prevailing throughout the week much anxiety was felt regarding the climatic conditions that Saturday would bring forth. Fortunately, >St. Patrick’s Day was ushered in with beautiful sunshine, while a strong breeze being in evidence this had a drying effect upon the running track in the Domain, which had become a trifle heavy as a result of a fortnight s wet weather. The St. Patrick s Day carnival, with the Donald son-Postle match as a particularly strong inducement to athletic patrons, had the effect of attracting fully 16,000 people to the Domain, and the afternoon’s gathering proved a “red letter” day in Auckland athletics. The first race between Donaldson and Postle was over the 75yds course, and was decided early in the afternoon. As the pair took up their positions at the starting mark Postle’s all-red costume stood out prominently in contrast to the blue attire worn by Donaldson, while a marked disparity in their build was noticeable, the Queenslander' being of much sturdier frame than the. world’s champion, who is very slim in stature. Donaldson had a worn and anxious look about him, and his paleness was freely commented upon by those who obtained a close glance at the Victorian. No time was wasted on the mark, and the pistol flash saw both men leap into their stride with wonderful quickness. The pair had not gone more than a few yards when Postle shot out in advance of his rival, the rapidity with which he mustered up his complement of speed proving an eye-opener to the spectators. At 10 yards Postle had close on two yards’ advantage of Donaldson, and running in brilliant fashion he never gave the Victorian a chance, fully two yards separating them at the finish. Postle’s remarkable powers of attaining top speed in the first half-dozen yards undoubtedly makes him invincible over short distances, for on going to the front at the commencement of the race he set Donaldson a task that no athlete living could expect to accomplish, and once in the lead he had the race won, Donaldson being unable to make any impression on the speedy Queenslander, who equalled his. own world’s record of 7 l-ssec established at Northam, West Australia,in 1906. Donaldson made a futile effort to lessen the gap over the concluding 30 yards, Postle finishing strongly and gaining a fairly easy victory over his favourite distance.

Postle’s brilliant running in the 75 yards added further interest to the 150 yards event It being evident that Donaldson would have to reproduce his best form to defeat the Queensland sprinter, even though the distance, taking previous meetings into consideration, was decidedly in favour of the world’s champion. An air of great excitement prevailed throughout the dense throng of onlookers as the two famous sprinters toed the mark, and the crowd were not left in suspense long, the smart manner in which both men left the mark without giving the starter one moment’s trouble being a lesson in itself to young aspirants for running honours.

In less than a dozen yards Postle had asserted his superiority in getting under way first, having a clear yard’s advantage of his opponent at this stage. Postle passed the 75 yards mark showing a wonderful turn of speed, with Donaldson also runningin convincing style, a couple of yards in the rear. Postle reached the 100 yards without any signs of his great pace diminishing but here Donald-

son’s fine running powers were demonstrated, for the champion commenced to gradually make up his leeway. Before the 130 yards was reached Donaldson had almost drawn level with the Queenslander, and his victory looked fairly certain. Over the final 20 yards a desperate race ensued, Postle staying the distance out to the bitter end and snatching a victory by the narrowest of margins in the last stride. A few yards from the tape a dead-heat did not seem improbable but Postle, with his wide experience of close finishes, managed to put every ounce of energy to immense advantage, and with a final dive he breasted the worsted a foot in advance of Donaldson. It was one of the finest finishes ever fought out at the Domain, and the winner was cheered lustily by the huge crowd. The cheering was repeated two-fold when it was announced that Postle had run the 150 yards in 14 l-ssecs, thus creating a new world’s record. With two victories to Postle’s credit, much speculation was indulged in regarding the probable result of the third and final match, and not a few were to /be found expressing the opinion that Postle s marvellous starting powers would carry him through the race triumphantly. As the pair skipped along to the starting line for their third test, the crowd surged on to the ground until they formed a dense bodyguard on each side of the track. The prospects of running between these two columns of excited onlookers did not appeal to Donaldson and Postle, so they both put on their overcoats without ceremony,

and walked back to the dressingroom. This had the desired effect, the crowd wisely withdrawing from the centre of the ground, and so enabling the people on the banks to obtain a clear view of the. race. In about ten minutes’ time the champions made their re-appearance, and were loudly applauded as they proceeded to the starting point. The men were quickly on their marks and a false start seemed to be an unknown quantity with them, for neither showed an inclination to get away before the pistol crack. The flash saw them rise together, while they had gone but a few yards before the “Crimson Flash” (a sobriquet which fits Arthur Postle admirably) went to the front as if by magic, and racing in lightning style he shot past the 100 yards’ mark a couple of yards to the good. Donaldson then commenced to close up the gap, bur Postle was running the race of his life, and still maintained over a yard’s lead as they flashed past the 150 yards. The next 50 yards were, expected to .find the Queenslander out, but he surprised the onlookers by putting in a phenomenal sprint over the concluding stage and wresting a well-deserv-ed win from Donaldson by a yard and a-half in the world’s record time of 19secs. Postle’s effort in this race was a treat to witness, and that he should stay out a 200 yards’ course in such brilliant style is a sterling tribute to the running powers of this fine sprinter, who has been prominently before the public as an athlete for 14 years, and still retains his marvellous form. Postle met with a

great reception, being carried shoulder high to his dressing-room amid ringing cheers. Mr J. F. McManemin acted as sole judge of the Donaldson-Postle match, giving his decisions promptly and to the satisfaction of all. Mr F. Burbush made an efficient starter, while Messrs F. Burns, Meredith, E. O’Hare and E. Heald acted as timekeepers.

The times registered by Postle in all three events at the St. Patrick’s Day sports shows the Auckland Domain up as being one of the fastest tracks in the world, and bears out the remarks of other famous athletes who have visited Auckland from time to time and expressed their appreciation of the Domain as an ideal sprinting ground. That the timing was correct is beyond doubt, for in the 75 yards the four official timekeepers made the time 7 l-ssecs. In the 150 yards, two of the officials made the time 14 l-ssecs, one 14secs, and the fourth 14 2-ssecs. The 200 yards was, according to three of the official timekeepers run in 19secs, while, the remaining watch-holder made it 19 1-5 secs. In addition to this a fifth watch made the time 19secs so that the record is certain to receive recognition. The Donaldson-Postle match undoubtedly ranks as the greatest athletic 'fixture that New Zealand has ever known, while the fact of two new world’s records being created makes it a memorable event in the history of athletics. It is also noteworthy on account of the defeat of Jack Donaldson, world’s champion sprinter, in distances over which he has hitherto proved invincible. Even though Don-

aldson may not have been seen at his best on Saturday there can be no question that the Victorian at the height of his form could not have beaten Postle, as the latter ran at the St. Patrick’s Day sports. Postle simply excelled himself, his phenomenal performances coming as a surprise to the Queensland sprinter, who was greatly taken with the. track on which the match was decided. Not once did Donaldson hold the advantage of Postle in all three races, while the latter stayed the distances out in a manner which clearly demonstrated that he is at present in as good form as at any time of his successful career as a sprinter. Postle admits that there is not a man in the world who could have beaten him on his form on Saturday, and the times fully bear out this contention. Postle’s careful training whilst in Auckland enabled him to escape a leg trouble which he has suffered from in the past in the shape of a strained sinew, and thus on Saturday he was able to reproduce his very best form. The lightning method in which he leaves the mark, combined with the exceptional manner in which he breaks into his top speed in so short a distance, greatly impressed all who saw him perform at the St. Patrick’s Day sports, and every one left the Domain fully satisfied that they had seen a pastmaster at the starting game. Postle has the knack of putting every ounce of p/opelling power to good effect, the Queenslander running with head thrown far forward and body bent, while he raises his knees high in the air. He is a very powerful runner, and sprinting at top

in his red costume he looks a thorough champion and one fully worthy of the name “The Crimson Flash. ’ Donaldson had no excuses to make regarding his defeat, except that the trouble with the Otago Caledonian, Society had worried him a great deal and he was not therefore up. to concert pitch on the day of the match. He fully recognised the merit of Postle’s performances, and had no hesitation is saying that. Postle performed exceedingly well. Though naturally much disappointed at being beaten over all three distances, Donaldson took his defeat in a thorough sportsmanlike spirit, and despite the reverses he met with in his match in Auckland his reputation as a sprinter has not suffered in any way, for in all three races he was only beaten by a small margin, which when it is remembered the times constituted world’s records, clearly demonstrated that the VictoHan is possessed of undoubted pace and brilliancy on the running track. Postle has stated his intention of retiring from active participation in athletics shortly, and his phenomenal times in Auckland on Saturday have, therefore, given the Queenslander good cause to feel gratified with his performances at a time when his brilliant career as a sprinter is almost finished.

Owing to feeling the effects of the severe strain which his match with Donaldson incurred, Postle was obliged to cancel his engagements to compete at Blenheim in a 75yds exhibition race, and 220yds Handicap. Postle was anxious to make the trip to Blenheim, but on seeking medical advice he was informed that the arduous nature of the railway trip South and the fulfilment of his engagements in his present state of health would probably result in a temporary breakdown, especially as he was engaged to run at Te Kuiti on Wednesday, the 27th inst., and Waihi on Saturday, the 30th inst. Under the circumstances Postle wisely abandoned his projected visit to Blenheim, but in the case of Te Kuiti and Waihi he will compete at sports meetings held in these townships, arrangements now being well in hand for the appearance of the famous Queenslander sprinter on the dates already mentioned. Jack Donaldson left for Sydney by the Wiinmera on Monday night, and a large number of friends of the popular athlete assembled on the wharf to bid him farewell. Donaldson, who stayed at the Albert Hotel whilst in Auckland, was tendered a farewell at this hostelry on Monday, a representative gathering of sportsmen, included among whom were a number of Australian visitors, presenting the champion sprinter with a souvenir of his stay in Auckland. Donaldson suitably responded, stating that he intended to spend a holiday trip in Auckland about 18 months or two years hence. Donaldson’s next appearance will be at a number of small meetings in Victoria during Easter-time while on April 17 he leaves on a trip to the Old Country. The purse given by the St. Patrick’s Day Committee for the DonaldsonPostle contest amounted to £IOO, of which Postle received £ 65 and Donaldson £35. ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPORTS. HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CARNIVAL. In addition to the Donaldson-Postle match a first-rate programme of sports was carried out by the St. Patrick’s Sports Committee, there being plenty of keen competition to keep the large assemblage at the Domain interested for several hours. The drilling displays given by the children were of a very creditable standard, the various kinds of exercises being marked by grace and thorough tuition. Of the running events the Sheffield Handicap (120yds), for professionals, created great interest, the winner proving to be M. Harrison, a greatly improved runner, who hitherto filled the role of a long-distance runner. Harrison has been a regular attendant on the track with Arthur Postle during the latter’s training operations for his match with Donaldson, and much of the Aucklander’s improved form is attributed to his association with Postle. Harrison won both his heat and the final with the greatest of ease, and caused quite a surprise as the result of his sprinting ability. Next to the Sheffield Handicap the three miles cycle race attracted most attention, chiefly owing to the fast riders, J. Adlam and E. Burton, figuring among the starters. Twelve other riders competed,, but the distance was a good deal beyond the majority of them, and before half the race was over it was easily seen that honours lay between Adlam and Burton, the only two men who seemed capable of

riding the full distance. In fact, a mile cycle race would have been decidedly more interesting from a spectator’s point of view, as the three miles event was looked upon as a contest between the back-markers, and such it proved, Adlam (scr) and Burton (45yds) catching the field early in the race, after which they rode along leisurely with the field until, with but a couple of laps to go, Burton sprinted, and obtaining a, big break on Adlam the latter had not the slightest chance of defeating Burton over the last lap. Burton won easily, while Adlam, who did not ride with his customary dash, had to be content with second honours. A new method of announcing the Winners of the different events with coloured flags was experimented with, but cannot be said to have proved successful, the number board being by far the most effective means of enlightening the spectators as to the results. The results of the principal events ■were as follows: — Amateur Events. Catholic Primary Schools’ 100yds Championship: J. McCarthy (Marist Bros.), 1; L. Hing (Marist Bros.), 2; F. Williams (Onehunga), 3. Won by two yards. Time, 12 l-ss. Secondary Schools’ Handicap, 120 yds.—R. Bailey (St. John's), 1; A. L. Millar, 2; E. A. Harrison, 3. Time, 13 2-ss. Amateur Handicap, 120yds.—H. A. Robertson, 1; A. O. Darby, 2; M. Kalman, 3. Time, 12 3-ss. C.M.C. Handicap, 100yds.—>M. McCarthy, 1; iS. Johnson, 2; S. Patten, 3. Won by a yard and a half. Time, 10 3-ss. Hibernian Handicap, 75yds.—G. Rog ; - ers, 6yds, 1; A. Dudson 6yds, 2; W. Malone, 4yds, 3. Won by half a yard. Time, 8 l-ss. ■Sacred Heart College Handicap, 200 yds.—C Brownlee, 6yds, 1; E. J. Burns, scr, 2; M. Twomey, 7yds, 3. Time, 23 l--ss. Professional Events. 120yds Sheffield. Handicap.—-First heat: C. Hally, 9yds, 1; V. C. Branson, 4%yds, 2. Time, 12 2-ss. Second heat: E. Bust 9%yds, 1; R. Johnsen, yds, 2. Time, 12 l-ss. Third heat: H. J. Mills, 10yds, 1; J. French, 13yds, 2. Time, 12 2>-ss. Fourth heat: F. J. Treanor, 11yds, 1; G. Timms, 10yds, 2. Time, 12s. Fifth heat: M. Harrison, 13yds, 1; R. Edwards, 2. Time, 12s. Sixth heat: W. J. McManus, 11yds 1; G. Brain, 12yds, 2. Time, 12 2-ss. Final: M. Harrison, 13yds, 1; F. J. Treanor, 11yds, 2. Time, 11 4-5 s. Three Miles Cycle Race. —E. W. Burton, 45yds, ljJ.Adlam, scr, 2; N. Wadham, 75yds, 3. Time, Bm. 8 3-ss. Fourteen started.